Health
Fall…Into Better Health
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Hello again!
Have you noticed? Fall has arrived in South Louisiana. We’ve already gotten a taste of cooler weather. In fact, the drop in temperature isn’t always a good thing for people needing to make a healthy lifestyle change. Let’s face it. It’s a lot easier to make a hasty retreat to the sofa than it is to embark on an exercise routine. Yet, for those willing to take the initiative, fall is a great time to turn over a new leaf.
For starters, cooler weather is a great time to start walking, riding a bike or any outdoor aerobic activity that gets the heart pumping faster. Just put on a jacket and go for it! My wife and I try to walk through our neighborhood at least 30 minutes at night after I get home from work. If you do something outdoors early in the evening, avoid the temptation to sit in front of the TV when you get home. Sure you want to see all the new fall TV shows, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Just try not to get too comfy on the sofa. Get up and do something besides getting a snack during commercials. Whatever fall exercise routine you choose, Certified Athletic Trainer Erik Strahan DPT says to “make sure you give your body time to get into the swing of things. It can take two weeks to adapt to a new routine, and four weeks to create a habit that will stay with you for the rest of your life.”
Fall is also a great time to start eating healthier. From kiwi to winter squash, there are a lot of healthy nutritious foods in season. I didn’t know until recently that squash is considered a super food. Make a plan to be consistent with your new food choices. Even if you have a cheat day or two at Thanksgiving and Christmas, your motivation to get back on track will be a lot stronger if you already have a healthy routine in place.
These tips aren’t just for you. After a knee injury last year I’ve found it extremely difficult getting back to doing the things that helped me lose 35 pounds and keep it off for 5 years. I regained a good bit of that weight in the past several months. Hopefully, this fall will mark a new beginning for me too—one that leads to happier, healthier lives for all of us.
This column is not intended as medical advice. Phil Rainier is Director of Marketing and Communication at Central Physical Therapy. His e-mail address is [email protected].
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